Monroeville hasn't had much luck against Mapleton recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Eagles are headed away from home for the first time to face off against the Mounties at 5:00 p.m. The game will give Monroeville their first taste of in-conference action this season.
Monroeville is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 13 runs last Saturday, they were much more limited against Buckeye Central on Monday. They fell just short of the Bucks by a score of 2-1. The loss put an end to the Eagles' undefeated start to the season.
Reid Wasserman
| 03/31/25 vs Buckeye Central | 1 |
| 03/29/25 vs Mansfield Christian | 1 |
| 03/29/25 vs Mansfield Christian | 1 |
Monroeville saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Reid Wasserman, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base. Wasserman is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: he's snagged at least one every time he's taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Mapleton, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Wednesday. They blew past Oberlin 11-2 on Thursday.
Tyson Welch made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits (and only one walk). Welch was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 3-for-4.
In other batting news, Gabe Wrobleski was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing five bases while going 3-for-3. Another player making a difference was Landin Sanders, who scored a run and stole two bases while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Mapleton always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .529. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Oberlin only posted an OBP of .222.
Mapleton's win was their seventh straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 1-2. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.6 runs over those games. As for Monroeville, their loss was their first of the season and makes their record 2-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Monroeville has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Mapleton struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Monroeville might still be hurting after the 9-1 defeat they got from Mapleton in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Can the Eagles avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
